Chapter 355 - 138: Stop the Deception

Chapter 355: Chapter 138: Stop the Deception

Song Yunzhao noticed something was off about the way Consort Shu was looking at her, but she paid it no mind. After all, Consort Shu had never looked at her in a way that *wasn’t* off.

"I’m not against stepping in, but what’s in it for me?" Consort Shu asked, looking at Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao stared at her, feigning astonishment. "But aren’t you the one who stands to gain the most, Your Ladyship? First, if you successfully put a stop to this, Consort Zhuang won’t be able to use the matter to curry favor with the Empress Dowager and one-up you. Second, life isn’t easy for the concubines. You’d be saving them a sum of silver, and they would naturally be grateful. You’d win popular support. Finally, with such influence in the harem, you wouldn’t be isolated and helpless if someone tried to cause trouble for you in the future."

Consort Shu listened to Song Yunzhao’s eloquent speech. It all sounded very convincing, but when it came down to it, only the first point was a tangible benefit. The other two were hardly worth mentioning. ’The harem has no shortage of turncoats. I’d be better off relying on myself than on them.’

"And what about you? What do you get out of this?" Consort Shu countered, looking at Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao replied without hesitation, "Of course, I benefit too. When Your Ladyship is thriving, I can naturally rest easy."

Consort Shu: ?

’What?’

Song Yunzhao’s smile was heartfelt. ’With Consort Shu on the front lines clashing with Consort Zhuang, Consort Zhuang will naturally be too preoccupied to bother me.’

After a moment of thought, it dawned on Consort Shu. She was so angry she wanted nothing more to do with Song Yunzhao. ’This woman is truly treacherous!’

Song Yunzhao seized the opportunity to take her leave. "Your Ladyship’s righteousness will surely be rewarded with great fortune."

"I won’t see you out."

’Hurry up and get lost!’

Song Yunzhao left with a smile. Consort Shu’s expression was a whirlwind of emotions. After a long moment, she slapped the table and stood up. Turning to Nanny Wen, who looked like she wanted to say something but held her tongue, she announced, "It’s been a while since I’ve seen Consort Zhuang. I’m free today, so I think I’ll go pay her a visit."

Nanny Wen: ...

’Although I agree with what Song Jieyu said, for Your Ladyship to act so quickly... it certainly doesn’t match the imperious way you just sent her packing!’

No sooner had Song Yunzhao returned to Wangyou Palace than she received news that Consort Shu was on her way to Zhaoyang Palace.

She couldn’t help but laugh. ’Consort Shu’s temperament... it’s just as I predicted.’

’Once you figure out what makes her tick, she’s actually quite easy to handle—much easier than the likes of Qin Xiyue or Consort Zhuang, at least.’

After waiting a calculated amount of time, Song Yunzhao sent Anshun to wait outside Zhaoyang Palace. As soon as he saw Consort Shu emerge, he was to immediately spread the rumor that she and Consort Zhuang had parted on bad terms. And the reason for their argument?

It was, of course, because of Consort Zhuang’s fundraising for the Empress Dowager’s gift.

There were many intricacies to this matter. Anshun, while not a smooth talker, was extremely reliable. He could make Consort Zhuang’s little scheme known to everyone without ever showing his own face.

Anshun was gone for a long time, not returning until after Song Yunzhao had finished her evening meal. "When this servant arrived outside Zhaoyang Palace," he reported, "I saw from a distance Consort Zhuang, her face dark as thunder, seeing Consort Shu to the door. I don’t know what was said, but Consort Shu stormed off in a huff. Seeing that the situation was exactly as you predicted, Mistress, I then went to the Laundry Bureau..."

The Laundry Bureau saw a great deal of traffic every day, with people constantly coming and going. It was difficult to pinpoint who said or did what, making it the perfect place to spread news. Anshun found someone from his hometown there, casually mentioned what he had "overheard," and then collected Wangyou Palace’s laundry and departed.

As soon as Anshun left, the rumor that Consort Zhuang and Consort Shu had a falling-out over one hundred taels of silver spread like wildfire through the Laundry Bureau.

When the news reached Consort Shu, she was so furious she vented to Nanny Wen, "I told you she was up to no good! Look at this, just look! It’s barely been any time at all and the news is already everywhere. The servants from Wangyou Palace move faster than dogs!"

Nanny Wen almost burst out laughing but quickly put on a serious face. "Your Ladyship, with Wangyou Palace having done this, it saves us at Cuiwei Palace the trouble. When Consort Zhuang investigates, the trail won’t lead back to you. Isn’t that a good thing?"

Consort Shu huffed. "Is that what’s important here? Shouldn’t the real issue be how capable Song Yunzhao’s people are?"

Nanny Wen: ...

’I deliberately avoided mentioning it, but I didn’t expect Your Ladyship to figure it out on her own. Her Ladyship is truly becoming more and more astute. I’m so very gratified.’

"Your Ladyship, it’s a good thing that Song Jieyu’s people are capable," Nanny Wen advised cautiously. "Right now, Cuiwei Palace and Wangyou Palace are on peaceful terms. If Wangyou Palace were always dragging you down, how could you possibly cooperate when matters arise in the future?"

’She used to be extremely wary of Song Jieyu. But as Song Jieyu and her mistress had more contact, her mistress seemed to handle matters more prudently. Besides, Song Jieyu knew her place and wasn’t greedy. Despite being favored, she wasn’t arrogant. Maintaining this kind of relationship was very advantageous for her mistress, so of course, she had to put in a good word.’